What percentage of college students drop out of school?

Almost 50 percent of college students in the United States drop out of school before obtaining a degree, according to Reuters. The drop-out rate at private college is even higher at 78 percent. College students are considered dropped out when they do not obtain a degree after six years of full-time study.

The high cost of education is cited as the primary reason for high percentages of college drop-outs. Students amass thousands of dollars in student loans, then realize that they do not want to acquire more debt.

Students also drop out of college because they realize it is the wrong path. They decide to pursue a different career choice, so they leave school to embark upon new journeys.